When Manchester United began their season with back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford, many supporters feared the worst for the rest of the campaign. It was the worst possible start under Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman, and his players, soon steadied the ship.
Prior to the defeat against Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday night, the Reds had gone on a four-match winning run - which saw United record victories over Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester City and Arsenal.
While the performances against Southampton and Leicester were far from convincing, Ten Hag - and many fans and pundits - took pleasure in the team's ability to grind out a result. In contract, the Reds impressed against Liverpool and Arsenal, and executed their respective game plans perfectly.
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One of the key factors in United's recent resurgence has been the midfield. Against Brighton and Brentford, the Reds were dominated in the middle of the park. However, in the last four league matches, Ten Hag's men have looked solid and comfortable.
Scott McTominay was expected to lose his place in the side following the £60million signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid, but the Scotsman has retained his spot ahead of the Brazilian midfielder and his compatriot, Fred.
The 25-year-old, who was heavily criticised towards the end of last season and at the start of this term, has made six appearances for United this campaign, starting on five occasions. While it would have been easy for the academy graduate to feel sorry for himself after struggling to find his stride, he has actually stood up and been counted in recent weeks.
Although the Scot has come under intense scrutiny from pundits and former players - some of whom have claimed that he is simply not good enough to play for the football club - he hasn't let it affect him. Instead, he's showing exactly why Ten Hag is continuing to pick him over a five-time Champions League winner.
His impressive showings in recent weeks have not gone unnoticed, either. Speaking to United's club media, McTominay's fellow midfielder Christian Eriksen lauded the 25-year-old, suggesting that the pair are finally starting to develop a partnership in the centre of the park.
"Scott has done very well and I think you can see that from the games," Eriksen said.
"I think in the first few ones we were looking for each other a bit and seeing where we are, but now I think we are starting to get a good connection and a good feeling of where you should be, and also because of the instructions of the manager as he has the positions he would like us to be in.
"So first of all we need to focus on our partnership and, at the same time, we need to focus on where the manager wants us to be. I think it’s gone well, but also when you win games it’s just easier to look back and the confidence builds up and you forget the small mistakes you make and remember the good things.
"There are a lot of things we can improve, but it’s a good road we’re on."
Although it is clear that Ten Hag has opted to ease Casemiro into life in the Premier League following his summer switch from Los Blancos, it also appears that McTominay has given the Dutchman a real selection headache for the coming weeks. The Scot's resurgence, coupled with Eriksen's ability to dictate play from deep, means that United's newest Brazilian midfielder might have to be patient and wait for his opportunity.
Bruno Fernandes is likely to continue in an advanced role for the Reds, and Eriksen's form means he is unlikely to be dropped. So, Ten Hag has to decide who will get the nod to anchor United's midfield. While Casemiro's quality is undeniable, it makes sense to give the 30-year-old as long as he needs to settle. For the meantime, the Reds will be more than happy to stick with McTominay.
It certainly feels like Casemiro will, at some point, become United's first-choice defensive midfielder. As much as anything, you don't spend that sort of money on a player who is going to sit on the bench. However, Eriksen's endorsement of McTominay could help to convince Ten Hag that persisting with the current duo in the coming weeks is the best thing to do.
With McTominay not playing against Real Sociedad in midweek, and Eriksen being taken off at half-time against the Spanish side, it appears that, for now anyway, Ten Hag is happy with his midfield - and plans to stick with them.
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